Bareilly: The Bareilly district administration in Uttar Pradesh has demolished several properties linked to associates of Muslim cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan. The action followed communal clashes that broke out during a procession on September 13, reportedly organized by Khan’s supporters.
The violence led to stone-pelting and injuries in the city. Police registered multiple FIRs against individuals allegedly involved in the clashes, including members of Khan’s political organization, the Ittehad-e-Millat Council.
Officials claimed the demolished structures were illegal constructions raised without proper authorization. However, civil rights groups and opposition leaders have questioned the timing and intent of the demolitions. They said the administration targeted only Muslim-owned properties, describing the action as selective and punitive.
Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan denounced the demolitions, saying they were politically driven and aimed at intimidating the Muslim community. He called for a judicial inquiry and urged the government to rebuild the homes that were razed without due process.
Local authorities, on the other hand, stated that the drive was carried out within legal limits to remove encroachments and maintain law and order in the area. The incident has renewed debate over the growing use of demolition as a form of punishment in Uttar Pradesh, where several similar actions have been taken after communal unrest.
